I recently put a 3 wood shaft in my driver and the results have been incredible. No change in swing speed but ball speed has increased due to me hitting the centre of the face more often. I've gained 10 yards of carry with less dispersion and I'm able to shape the ball more easily as I have more control of the club face.
@@simon1841 I don’t understand this comment and I keep hearing it. No one I have ever watched do this complained about how the swing weight of the modified club feels off. In fact all did much better with the modified club. I think hitting it straighter with more confidence is the goal of most amateur golfers and this accomplishes that. I do not believe the “average” golfer really cares or has the ability to feel the subtle difference it makes in the swinging of the club. I didn’t. I hit it straighter and have more confidence at address. You can get deep in the weeds technically in this sport. I don’t recommend it. Play what works for you.
I'm not surprised by the results. I'm a senior (very) golfer who happens to be a big fan of Tom Wishon, the highly regarded club designer and club fitter who has long recommended that 95% of golfers should play with shorter clubs. He even recommends that fitters try not to put in shafts longer than 43". Tiger was playing his driver at 43.75" for a reason.There may ( I repeat - may) be a slight loss of distance which will be offset by an increase in accuracy. The shorter shaft means more control, lighter, and more center face hits which usually results in a similar length as longer shafts. I play my driver at 42.5" and the rest of my woods in similar lengths. I've shortened many of the drivers for my regular group and they all love the consistency. I tend to choke down at least 1/2" on my irons. Tom's fitting charts follow the golfer's WTF measurement. One concern is that the shorter shaft changes the SW and makes it slightly stiffer. I add weight, either lead tape or weights to get the SW and flex. Very few amateur golfers should be swinging a 45.5" driver simply for the once in a while good strike.
I have my driver either 42 or 43 being Shorter man makes sense. A regular shaft or longer doesn't make sense when I just want to enjoy the game and obviously I won't be in any up and coming tournament. So if you cut down your driver or change shaft to a 5 wood etc it will obviously be more accurate and more consistent, I did this about a year ago and it does help with my game so try it out, experiment change your grips, one length irons, don't buy all the top gear to be like the professional, don't forget they are sponsored by brands. I have Ben sayer's irons 6 to PW, very forgiving one length which keeps my swing consistent. 3 cheap wedges 52, 56 and 60 which I can say are just as good as any overpriced wedges. Two cobra hybrids 2 and 5, and I use either my cobra S2 driver or my cobra HS9 to older clubs but to be honest I hit them 216 average and pretty much straight so they do the job, I don't play golf to be the best and look at me, I want to go out and have a great time and think you know what your not in the pros section but you are consistent and not scared to play anyone.
I cut down my driver shaft to about 42 inches and I was able to swing with much more confidence and as a result hit bombs and more fairways. Glad to see you experimenting with this, Alex. Cheers!
This is different than using a 5 wood shaft. I did the same. It’s just a shorter, stiff shaft, your way. I like the idea of a more flexible driver shaft. When Daly was hitting his best drives, it was a soft shaft
Heres an idea I'm almost sure you wont consider but here I go!! I'm currently 79 years old retired in Florida. I play golf once and sometimes twice a week. The best handicap I ever held was 15 when I was much younger, now in the low 20's. About 25 years ago I had the putting yips so bad I would double hit putts. It came to the point that either I fixed the problem or quit the game. At first I tried a long Ping B-90 putter and it helped but things were still a bit shaky. Then one evening while looking at golf help websites a pop up ad showing Mo Norman with a long putter using a sidesaddle stance. The lightbulb went on and I gave it a try. To this day I still putt sidesaddle and consider that the best part of my game. Why don't you get acquainted with the procedure and do a comparison. You may convert some folks like Mo converted me. The key is to have the lie angle as upright as the rules allow and a heavy putter head. I am 5'10'' tall and my Ping B-90 is 48" long. I found the Ping B-90 to be very upright but within legal specs. Feel free to email me if I could help with anything. If you google "Face on putting" you will get lots of help. Enjoy your videos!
Another great Video Alex. It would Interesting to see a 3 wood shaft in your driver. I know not really original but I think the results will be even closer if not better. As you mentioned in your video simply gripping further down on the driver also helps with dispersion.
Well, after seeing a number of videos on this, I played 9 holes today and choked down on my driver 4 full inches. Every ball went straight and even though I'm 71, my best shot of the day was 220 yards. So, I tried the same thing with my 6 hybrid, I choked down about 2" and hammered it straight and 25 yards farther than normal. No need to cut the shafts, just choke way down. Better for re-sale anyway. Thanks for this video. I also feel quite free swinger a "shorter" club and don't have to give too much thought to every little detail of my swing. For me, shortening the longer clubs by choking down is the way to go.
5’7” just today after hitting my driver like crap recently, I took the shaft on my g425 max 5 wood and put it on the driver. Taking it in the am to see how it goes
Awesome video Alex. As I am now in my 50’s things have changed. I am convinced that fairway woods were the best way to go. I got rid of my irons, with the exception of my short wedges. I found someone who sells the 7,9,11,13,15 fairway woods, I bought all except the 13. I am so much happier and enjoy the game again. Would like to see what you would think about doing a video on that idea. Thank you.
Get the 13 wood 150 to 165 yards high and stops on the green, and best of all, always gets the ball out of the rough, even when it's high. Great for winter instead of the 7 iron.
Years ago my Driver was 43.5 - 44.0 inches and could reach 300 with old Taylor Made 7 & 9 Degree driver. In the quest for more distance Club Manufactures have lengthened the shafts to 45+ inches. I crush my 3 wood and my driver is a Jeckel and Hyde. Looking forward to cutting it down back to 44 and test it out!
I use Cobra RAD XD, regular shaft. I can hit it straight most of the time, as long as I slow down the speed. But when I hit it harder/faster, it will be sliced. Any suggestions? Do I need to change my shaft with a SR or S flex?
About 6 years ago I tinkered with a 3-wood length shaft in my driver and the results were incredible. The distance drop off was minimal (maybe 5 yards at worst) but strike and accuracy was significantly improved. Since then I've played a driver shaft around 44 inches long and it has worked out really well improving that part of my game. I've also played mini drivers (most recently the TM Original One) and the results from playing that was amazing. I'd really like to put my SIM up against the new 300 mini driver to see how that performs. All that said, there definitely is something to playing a shorter shaft in your driver or at very least tinkering with it to see how it performs. I think a lot of amateurs would benefit from using a shorter shaft.
I've used a 4/5 wood shaft in my driver for 2 years and it works really great. Overall, I hit it longer and I hit 9 out of 10 fairways. Driving has gone from being a weak point to my best. I've tried a full length shaft again occasionally and it just feels so uncontrollable. It's better for me to hit consistent 9/10 fairways.
Hi Alex, How did the "swing-weight" change between with 2,75inch difference ? - I am guessing it may have changed from D1 for driver shaft to maybe C6 ? ... not sure but guess the lighter swing weight in with the 5 wood shaft helps swing it faster with control?
I realized this was better for myself the day I took the Driver outta the bag this fall and went 3 wood every drive and seen that my 3 wood was out driving everyone else AND was going exactly where I was aiming every single time! Only problem is my 3 wood is a PING G425 and my driver is Taylor Made SIM, so I can't swap the shaft BUT am 100% buying what I need to make this happen b4 the start of next season. Great video again Alex.... You're Top5 for best golf content on UA-cam #1 Rick Shiels - Pete Finch - Matt Fryer - Andy Carter #2 GOOD/GOOD fellas (all of them) #3 Bryson DeChambeau's new channel #4 Alex Elliott Golf #5 2nd Swing's UA-cam videos are excellent these days
I just started trying my 3 wood shaft in my F9 driver at the Carnoustie Indoor Performance centre, hit 20 with driver shaft & 20 with 3 wood shaft, found very little drop in overall distance but much more closer dispersion. Going to try different lofts/weight positions over the next few weeks to try and dial it in even closer. Like you said, feel I could swing faster but with more control. 🤔 I’ll let you know/send you some stats once I try more options. Currently playing off 11 but aiming for single figures next season, my driving accuracy was definitely letting me down. 👍
I tried this on a course today and I think it may be my new setup. I tested the 5w shaft in my driver on a launch monitor last night and saw that my spin characteristics where much better with the shorter shaft and that’s why distances weren’t much different. Great video.
I would like to see you use the RAD XB and test it at the normal 6 gram weight. Then change the weight to 2 gram, 4 gram, 8 gram and 10 gram and see what the results are. This would be extremely beneficial for those golfers using the XB. Thank you
@@AlexElliottGolf I think it's the manufacturers. They can't make a face any hotter, so they stick a longer shaft in and say 'our longest driver ever!' But like you pointed out, it can be the longest, but we may trade consistency for the occasional bomb. I am no longer chasing the low spin, long drive fantasy. I want forgiveness and consistency 😁
Apparently a lot of the pros actually game shorter shafts than most amateurs. The pros can already crush it and are looking for more control rather than distance.
@@AlexElliottGolf all about marketing the longest driver to date but if you shorten the shaft you throw off the swing weight. I cut my driver that was 45.5 to 44.5 and swing weight went from D4 to C8. Too light and threw my swing out of balance
I put my ping g410 3 wood shaft on my driver this week and not only am I hitting it straighter, but to my surprise I’ve actually gained 10 yards in distance! (Went from 210 yards to 220)
I would be interested in seeing what happens with a standard 7 iron, 37” when you put a 40” shaft in it. Do you gain speed, yardage? Do yo loose dispersion? Does it change quality of contact?
The Average Length today of Driver Shaft Length on the PGA Tour is 44 and a Half inches = If the best players in the World could accurately use a 45 and 3 quarter inch Shaft they would, but they can't so they don't. Jack Nicklaus used a 42 and 3 quarter inch Driver throughout is entire career and he didn't do too bad, did he = 1992 PGA Long Distance Competition - His Persimmon Wood Head 11 degrees Loft Driver, 130 ounce Stiff Steel shaft 42 and 3 quarter inches long and a Balata wound ball = his winning distance? 341 Yards With todays equipment in his prime he'd be chipping back to all the Par 4's
Alex, I’ve been using a three wood shaft with my G400 driver for three years. Tighter dispersion and getting at least as much length as with the driver shaft. Much easier for me to hit sweet spot. I’ll never go back to regular length driver shaft.
I did something similar. Also I've watched a bunch of videos on this topic, but no one addressed rebalancing the club... (swingweight, shaft weight, head weight, shaft stiffness) I had a spare stiff shaft (i use Reg), so I got it cut 1.5" at the tip as well as at the butt. In theory Driver went from.a D4 SW to B4. Not sure where i want to be so I'm starting at a SW of D0, which means 32 grams of the shaft head. With that much weight the shaft is more like and extra soft senior, hence why I also cut off the tip of the shaft. Now I should have a 42" driver, with a D0 SW and a Reg shaft. In theory lol... Can't wait to try it out. Also did something similar to my 5 Wood :)
I have matching Cobra driver 3 & 5 woods, so could try this. Questions: The fairway woods have different degrees marked on the adaptor. Do I just set at standard on each one? Why not just grip down a couple of inches on the driver shaft? Wouldn't this produce the same result?
Can you test distance and dispersal with shaft changed to 5W length vs full length Driver shaft gripped down/ choked down to 5W length. Will it give comparable distance and dispersal pattern?
Great video Alex I could never hit 3 wood from fairway just messing about a range one day I tried my 7 wood shaft in and was shocked straight as a die great flight played on local coarse amazed always found I couldn’t get the 3 wood shaft passed my body seemed to leave the club behind me with shorter shaft I am able to release the club I showed a mate who plays old callawaye warbirds we put clubs side by side they are same length so going to try my 3 wood shaft in my driver hopefully same results.Ian
Makes so much sense. I get much better results from my hybrid in terms of dispersion, and when its going well, the yardage isn't too far behind driver. May have to go to the golf shop to test a few shafts as i cant change out from hybrid shaft.
The next test for using shorter shaft try increasing the loft on the shorter shaft. I think you would be surprised how much closer the distance would be . Especially when you used the 7 iron shaft/ Try it!!
3 or 5 shaft is way forward will do this when I next get a new driver. Or get a 5 wood shaft to fit current driver ping 400 which is different model to the 5/7 I have ping 425. Hit 3 wood nearly as far as driver so guessing it would work for me
Hi Alex, I use a mini driver (currently the TaylorMade Original One) for the reasons you discussed - decreased dispersion with little distance loss. I will probably get fitted for a driver this winter and will experiment with a shorter shaft. If I don't like the dispersion of the driver I'll probably get TaylorMade's 300 mini driver.
I was thinking of this as I love my 5 wood and the rdx smoke 6.5 black in 80grams....I like 60 grams in driver....I found a shaft online in 60 grams, 6.5 (x-stiff)...should I add loft and weight to driver head? I have the rogue td ls...and have heavier weights for front.thnx
I have been goofing around with this for years. Most recent was an ebay "experiment" called the Driveway (other companies called the set-up a Thriver years ago): Higher loft, shorter shaft, probably more flexible shaft. Maybe 5yards shorter (never did a launch monitor, but I would be willing to bet more carry, less roll), but far, far more consistently straight.
At my slower swing speed (around 90 mph) I give up 10 m distance with a 44.5 shaft compared to a 45.5 shaft. I went the opposite direction with my 5 wood and fitted a 44 inch shaft. My carry with the 7 ( 21)and 5 (17)were too close. It worked.
You should make sure both lengths, 5 wood and driver are exactly same Swing weight. Probably have to add a lot of lead tape evenly on bottom of driver with 5 wood shaft. Neal
I was thinking the same thing. I'm more consistent with 3 wood off tee, swing much more in control. Going to try both ideas out on the range next week.
I have a Cobra F9 9 degree set at -1.5 degree and I changed out the weights in it. It had a 2g in the back and a 14g in the front. I had an issues of getting the ball too high in the air. So I got a 16g and replaced the 14g for the front and took the 2g completely out. I have gained about 15-20 yards. Spin is a lot lower. The weird thing is I have better control of Driver now.
I had a Fujikura shaft in my callaway big bertha driver cut from 45+ inches to 43 3/4. The senior flex was thus stiffened a bit which is what I wanted. My accuracy and distance went up since I was hitting the sweet spot more often. Still getting use to it although I'll probably not go back to using regular length shafts. I use 42 inch shafts in my 5 and 7 woods, but standard length in my irons and wedges. Seems to complement my game at a 17.1 handicap.
Hey Alex! I just saw ur other video driver to 7iron. This is awesome too..I attached my ping 3w fairway to my 5 wood and I got awesome results. Keep up the great videos
2.75” is pretty significant. Honestly it’s more than enough, especially with speed and consistency! Combine that with a good up and down game?! Straight baller
Lighter clubhead and shaft if you haven't already done it. For fun one day, I borrowed a friends wife's club, a Calloway Solaire driver with a 13.5 degree loft on a hole which usually plays as a dogleg because of some very tall trees close in to the tee. Proceeded to drive it over those trees and to a distance that equalled anything I have done with a 9 degree loft and longer shaft. Admitted my driver (an Adams) is 15 years old with a medium flex shaft. It has become a tradition when we play that I use her driver on that one hole. The clubhead speed feels faster, we have no way to measure. Seriously thinking about a lighter club.
I got fitted last year for a driver and got a shaft 1 inch shorter than standard. Felt more comfortable, consistent and longer than standard length. Also I never would hit 3 wood off the deck so bag now is driver (inch shorter) then 5 wood and 5 hybrid. Works with the gapping
Hi Alex, excellent video. This has been common knowledge amongst club fitters. Im interested in the shaft specs, brand, model, stiffness, weight etc. used for this video. Keep the videos coming 🍻
Good experiment Alex, I'm going to try my 3 wood shaft in my driver this week at the range (don't own a 5 wood). I agree with you tighter dispersion trumps a little more distance for us amateur golfers, also I have a tendency to strike all over the driver club face so will see if this change improves strike location consistency which we all know is key.
Great stuff. I would like to see what putting a softer flex would do. Would the softer shaft provide more kick at impact because of the added flexing on the downswing increasing cluhead speed and would the dispersion pattern be higher because of the added flexing meaning less accuracy. Thanks.
Something to consider for sure except I don't have a 5w. For me accuracy is king. I'm hitting driver pretty much same length. So tighten my dispersion really is attractive
Hi Alex, great video. Sorry I'm late in commenting but just a quick question. When shortening shafts, club fitters talk about adding head weight to compensate for various things but I guess you didn't do this. I'm keen to shorten my 45.75" Wilson FG Tour F5 by 1-2" but am worried about the head weight issue.
Hi Alex I think changing swing weight with your 5 wood length Driver ( now a lighter swing weight) should be next in your comparison tests. Keep the good work up. Cheers.
I assume you will narrow the dispersion and quite possibly lose 15 yards in carry. But I think head speed will stay relatively the same and you'll get the same overall distance more consistently. I've always wanted to do this. I hit my 5 wood very well. Always thought that possibly shortening the shaft of the 3 wood and driver a touch may help
After watching this I think I am going to try it. I have previously experimented with reducing the driver shaft from 45.5 ins to 4.5 ins and found greater consistency and perhaps better contact. Will be interesting to see what happens with a still shorter shaft.
@@BigDawgCAM Putting an old 3 wood shaft into the driver was a disaster for me. However, that may have been due to there being too much of a change in the swing weight. In theory it may be easier to find the centre of the face with a shorter shaft but it could completely change the feel of the club for the worse. I would suggest getting a pro to give you some advice if you want to try it.
@@johncreet1254 Thanks. I'm actually cutting down my driver from 46" to 44" this week, but I'm having to add back in a whopping 24-28g to the head to maintain swingweight lol. Wish me luck! If it doesn't work out, I'm considering buying a new driver next year anyway, so it'll be good to know
Hi Alex, very interesting results. I personally think a lot of it comes down to the player’s height differences. If you are below average in height it might be more favourable. Other way around if you are above average as your total ark will be significantly more. I think the shorter length will possibly still provide slightly more consistent shots (regardless of height), however, if you’re above 6’2”, the distance variation will be greater. 🤔
I've been doing this for years with my Nike covert drivers and fairway woods. It was the only Ferrell that allowed you to make the clubhead change. The results were lower trajectory, less of a miss on bad hits. I call it my happy 235yard club.
Haven't tried subbing a 5 wood (Cobra Radspeed) shaft in my driver (Cobra F9) but I have tried gripping down a bit for 1/ accuracy in finding the sweet spot (huge difference in my driver at least) plus 2/ it makes the club sit flatter i.e. less toe up which I believe helps with quality of contact.
Looking at your shot tracers for the driver the result was totally as expected. You hit your driver very straight, 13 yard spread at 220+ yards distance is no issue at all. That’s almost the accuracy for many with a mid iron into greens. To get the grouping even tighter with almost nil loss of distance is a no brainier. Take it that’s in your bag now? We get told / sold that custom fitting is so good and makes a difference would like to see you be fitted for a driver and work through shafts for stiffness, kick points, swing weight length etc to see how it impacts your current almost arrow straight hitting
I hit a 3 iron or 3 hybrid almost as far as my old driver. If I put a good driver head on the same length club it would have to go farther, but also be easier and more consistent to hit than a long club is. Makes sense to me.
I started gripping down on my driver a couple of weeks ago, after clearing out my garage, i found buried my old Ping Eye wooden driver, i used to hit that really well, noticed how much shorter it was so started right down with my little finger of right hand at the bottom of the grip, much to my surprise i was as long, but most importantly and I've only missed 3 fairways in 4 rounds since changing, was seriously thinking about cutting 3 inches of the shaft this morning as mine is a non ajustable Driver.
I do use a 4wood shaft in my 3 wood and it definitely gives more fairway hits . But I’m curious why your club head speed does not match up to your carry distance.
Have you poured sand in the shaft to see what happens.plug the grip end with a tee.then try half a shaft full allowing the sand to move when you swing.You will be amazed with results.
I have a shortened 3 wood shaft in my driver and a shortened 5 wood shaft in my 3 wood. I hit it in the fairway so much that my golf buddies are moaning it isn't fair. 240 carry...driver straight all day. Now...when I get my new irons next year, my evil plan will be complete:)
Just wondering, did you change the shaft in any way, ie went to regular in the driver shaft as apposed to stiff in the 5 wood shaft? Great video, but how about 3 wood shaft? I'm always wondering about a 3 wood shaft as normally there isn't a huge amount of distance difference between my std drive to my std 3 wood, and the 3 wood has a smaller head.
I'd be interested to see a super low spin driver (sldr type) with high loft (16/17 degree sort of thing). Do you get high launch and low spin, and do you get the forgiveness of a higher loft, or the lack or forgiveness of the low spin. Then do the opposite, super forgiving driver with big weight at the back plus really low loft. What works better. You could then mix this up with shadt length as well.
I recently had a radspeed Which I cut down to 3 wood length, hit it much better that way, but it was too low spinning. I've now got a sim 2 max with a more suitable shaft/followed by a lesson. I hit it way better, even with a shaft that Is nearly 46 inches long.
Makes sense. So, is it better to install a shorter shaft onto your driver head, or just grip down on the current driver shaft? I do see some of the LPGA pros gripping way down on their drivers and fairway woods.
A test i would like to see compares a high moi weight back driver with 9 degree loft vs a more weight forward driver that has a penetrating flight at 10.5 degrees... ie epic max 9 vs epic speed 10.5 ...with the max ( high launch head ) at 9 degrees, does it knock off enough spin to out distance the more penetrating flight of the speed 10.5?
OK, similar comments to the 7 Iron comparo. Backspin rates still seem high even though you are hitting draws, smash factor nearly identical, can't see heights. Also, I tend to choke up on my driver more than I do for FW's. Oh, and you aren't compensating for the lighter club head weight which is going to affect swing rate (5W shaft is matched for heavier 5W clubhead weight).
Have you ever tried this? Changing your driver shaft for your fairway wood shaft?
I imagine the swing weight would be in the low C range; very light feeling I would think. Add a heavier weight to the head to get it up to D2 or 3.
I recently put a 3 wood shaft in my driver and the results have been incredible. No change in swing speed but ball speed has increased due to me hitting the centre of the face more often. I've gained 10 yards of carry with less dispersion and I'm able to shape the ball more easily as I have more control of the club face.
I've seen other tests with shorter shafts, usually a 3 wood, but the shorter shaft changes the swing weight which needs to be compensated for.
Put your cobra wedges up against taylormade mizuno sm8😬👌🏻
@@simon1841 I don’t understand this comment and I keep hearing it. No one I have ever watched do this complained about how the swing weight of the modified club feels off. In fact all did much better with the modified club. I think hitting it straighter with more confidence is the goal of most amateur golfers and this accomplishes that. I do not believe the “average” golfer really cares or has the ability to feel the subtle difference it makes in the swinging of the club. I didn’t. I hit it straighter and have more confidence at address. You can get deep in the weeds technically in this sport. I don’t recommend it. Play what works for you.
I'm not surprised by the results. I'm a senior (very) golfer who happens to be a big fan of Tom Wishon, the highly regarded club designer and club fitter who has long recommended that 95% of golfers should play with shorter clubs. He even recommends that fitters try not to put in shafts longer than 43". Tiger was playing his driver at 43.75" for a reason.There may ( I repeat - may) be a slight loss of distance which will be offset by an increase in accuracy. The shorter shaft means more control, lighter, and more center face hits which usually results in a similar length as longer shafts. I play my driver at 42.5" and the rest of my woods in similar lengths. I've shortened many of the drivers for my regular group and they all love the consistency. I tend to choke down at least 1/2" on my irons. Tom's fitting charts follow the golfer's WTF measurement. One concern is that the shorter shaft changes the SW and makes it slightly stiffer. I add weight, either lead tape or weights to get the SW and flex. Very few amateur golfers should be swinging a 45.5" driver simply for the once in a while good strike.
I have my driver either 42 or 43 being Shorter man makes sense. A regular shaft or longer doesn't make sense when I just want to enjoy the game and obviously I won't be in any up and coming tournament.
So if you cut down your driver or change shaft to a 5 wood etc it will obviously be more accurate and more consistent, I did this about a year ago and it does help with my game so try it out, experiment change your grips, one length irons, don't buy all the top gear to be like the professional, don't forget they are sponsored by brands.
I have Ben sayer's irons 6 to PW, very forgiving one length which keeps my swing consistent.
3 cheap wedges 52, 56 and 60 which I can say are just as good as any overpriced wedges.
Two cobra hybrids 2 and 5, and I use either my cobra S2 driver or my cobra HS9 to older clubs but to be honest I hit them 216 average and pretty much straight so they do the job, I don't play golf to be the best and look at me, I want to go out and have a great time and think you know what your not in the pros section but you are consistent and not scared to play anyone.
I cut down my driver shaft to about 42 inches and I was able to swing with much more confidence and as a result hit bombs and more fairways. Glad to see you experimenting with this, Alex. Cheers!
yes john! this is crazy do you find that it is more consistent from round to round too
In my last I said I cut my driver regular shaft down to 43".5" but I forgot to mention I also took 1/2" off the tip to stiffen it...great driver now.
@@peterbritland5939 yes, Peter. I also cut off an inch off the tip. Glad to know it’s working out for you! 🙂
This is different than using a 5 wood shaft. I did the same. It’s just a shorter, stiff shaft, your way. I like the idea of a more flexible driver shaft. When Daly was hitting his best drives, it was a soft shaft
Yes, I did the same. High handicapper and couldn't hit the driver and fairway wood centre. Cut them down and scores improved quickly.
Heres an idea I'm almost sure you wont consider but here I go!! I'm currently 79 years old retired in Florida. I play golf once and sometimes twice a week. The best handicap I ever held was 15 when I was much younger, now in the low 20's. About 25 years ago I had the putting yips so bad I would double hit putts. It came to the point that either I fixed the problem or quit the game. At first I tried a long Ping B-90 putter and it helped but things were still a bit shaky. Then one evening while looking at golf help websites a pop up ad showing Mo Norman with a long putter using a sidesaddle stance. The lightbulb went on and I gave it a try. To this day I still putt sidesaddle and consider that the best part of my game. Why don't you get acquainted with the procedure and do a comparison. You may convert some folks like Mo converted me. The key is to have the lie angle as upright as the rules allow and a heavy putter head. I am 5'10'' tall and my Ping B-90 is 48" long. I found the Ping B-90 to be very upright but within legal specs. Feel free to email me if I could help with anything. If you google "Face on putting" you will get lots of help. Enjoy your videos!
Another great Video Alex. It would Interesting to see a 3 wood shaft in your driver. I know not really original but I think the results will be even closer if not better. As you mentioned in your video simply gripping further down on the driver also helps with dispersion.
yeah goood point !!
Well, after seeing a number of videos on this, I played 9 holes today and choked down on my driver 4 full inches. Every ball went straight and even though I'm 71, my best shot of the day was 220 yards. So, I tried the same thing with my 6 hybrid, I choked down about 2" and hammered it straight and 25 yards farther than normal. No need to cut the shafts, just choke way down. Better for re-sale anyway. Thanks for this video. I also feel quite free swinger a "shorter" club and don't have to give too much thought to every little detail of my swing. For me, shortening the longer clubs by choking down is the way to go.
choking down will affect the swing differently than cutting the shaft
5’7” just today after hitting my driver like crap recently, I took the shaft on my g425 max 5 wood and put it on the driver. Taking it in the am to see how it goes
Awesome video Alex. As I am now in my 50’s things have changed. I am convinced that fairway woods were the best way to go. I got rid of my irons, with the exception of my short wedges. I found someone who sells the 7,9,11,13,15 fairway woods, I bought all except the 13. I am so much happier and enjoy the game again. Would like to see what you would think about doing a video on that idea. Thank you.
you’re welcome and good to hear your thoughts !!
Get the 13 wood 150 to 165 yards high and stops on the green, and best of all, always gets the ball out of the rough, even when it's high. Great for winter instead of the 7 iron.
Have just one arm, shorter shaft length is easier to swing! Thank you soooo much! I'm putting my 5 shaft on my driver head!
Years ago my Driver was 43.5 - 44.0 inches and could reach 300 with old Taylor Made 7 & 9 Degree driver.
In the quest for more distance Club Manufactures have lengthened the shafts to 45+ inches.
I crush my 3 wood and my driver is a Jeckel and Hyde. Looking forward to cutting it down back to 44 and test it out!
Thanks
Thank you so much David 🙌🏼🙌🏼
I use Cobra RAD XD, regular shaft. I can hit it straight most of the time, as long as I slow down the speed. But when I hit it harder/faster, it will be sliced.
Any suggestions? Do I need to change my shaft with a SR or S flex?
About 6 years ago I tinkered with a 3-wood length shaft in my driver and the results were incredible. The distance drop off was minimal (maybe 5 yards at worst) but strike and accuracy was significantly improved. Since then I've played a driver shaft around 44 inches long and it has worked out really well improving that part of my game. I've also played mini drivers (most recently the TM Original One) and the results from playing that was amazing. I'd really like to put my SIM up against the new 300 mini driver to see how that performs. All that said, there definitely is something to playing a shorter shaft in your driver or at very least tinkering with it to see how it performs. I think a lot of amateurs would benefit from using a shorter shaft.
Good points here !
I am using in my Radspeed driver a 44.25 shaft and smashing it all the way on the fairway, using a Project X Riptide CB 5.5
I've used a 4/5 wood shaft in my driver for 2 years and it works really great. Overall, I hit it longer and I hit 9 out of 10 fairways. Driving has gone from being a weak point to my best. I've tried a full length shaft again occasionally and it just feels so uncontrollable. It's better for me to hit consistent 9/10 fairways.
fair point!
Hi Alex, How did the "swing-weight" change between with 2,75inch difference ?
- I am guessing it may have changed from D1 for driver shaft to maybe C6 ?
... not sure but guess the lighter swing weight in with the 5 wood shaft helps swing it faster with control?
I realized this was better for myself the day I took the Driver outta the bag this fall and went 3 wood every drive and seen that my 3 wood was out driving everyone else AND was going exactly where I was aiming every single time!
Only problem is my 3 wood is a PING G425 and my driver is Taylor Made SIM, so I can't swap the shaft BUT am 100% buying what I need to make this happen b4 the start of next season.
Great video again Alex.... You're Top5 for best golf content on UA-cam
#1 Rick Shiels - Pete Finch - Matt Fryer - Andy Carter
#2 GOOD/GOOD fellas (all of them)
#3 Bryson DeChambeau's new channel
#4 Alex Elliott Golf
#5 2nd Swing's UA-cam videos are excellent these days
good to hear your thoughts and thank you!
I just started trying my 3 wood shaft in my F9 driver at the Carnoustie Indoor Performance centre, hit 20 with driver shaft & 20 with 3 wood shaft, found very little drop in overall distance but much more closer dispersion.
Going to try different lofts/weight positions over the next few weeks to try and dial it in even closer.
Like you said, feel I could swing faster but with more control. 🤔
I’ll let you know/send you some stats once I try more options.
Currently playing off 11 but aiming for single figures next season, my driving accuracy was definitely letting me down. 👍
good to get your thoughts on this!!
I tried this on a course today and I think it may be my new setup.
I tested the 5w shaft in my driver on a launch monitor last night and saw that my spin characteristics where much better with the shorter shaft and that’s why distances weren’t much different. Great video.
I have done the same with my TaylorMade R9 and get much better accuracy with little loss of distance. Keep up the good work
When I bought my Radspeed driver earlier this year I ordered it 1 inch shorter than standard. Happy with the result.
This was a great video. I am really struggling with the driver and may give this a try.
I would like to see you use the RAD XB and test it at the normal 6 gram weight. Then change the weight to 2 gram, 4 gram, 8 gram and 10 gram and see what the results are. This would be extremely beneficial for those golfers using the XB. Thank you
brill! thanks for this !
@@AlexElliottGolf looking forward to watching the video.
Thank you for getting back to me. I definitely enjoy your videos and tips!
I did the same thing with a 3 wood shaft in my driver, but I also added weight to the driver head to keep the swing weight close.
I heard Tiger uses a 43.5" driver shaft and DJ uses 44.5". Not unheard of to use a shorter driver shaft. Good video!
i think that it is really interesting why are we all be sold longer shafts>?
@@AlexElliottGolf I think it's the manufacturers. They can't make a face any hotter, so they stick a longer shaft in and say 'our longest driver ever!' But like you pointed out, it can be the longest, but we may trade consistency for the occasional bomb. I am no longer chasing the low spin, long drive fantasy. I want forgiveness and consistency 😁
Apparently a lot of the pros actually game shorter shafts than most amateurs. The pros can already crush it and are looking for more control rather than distance.
@@AlexElliottGolf all about marketing the longest driver to date but if you shorten the shaft you throw off the swing weight. I cut my driver that was 45.5 to 44.5 and swing weight went from D4 to C8. Too light and threw my swing out of balance
I put my ping g410 3 wood shaft on my driver this week and not only am I hitting it straighter, but to my surprise I’ve actually gained 10 yards in distance! (Went from 210 yards to 220)
I would be interested in seeing what happens with a standard 7 iron, 37” when you put a 40” shaft in it. Do you gain speed, yardage? Do yo loose dispersion? Does it change quality of contact?
The Average Length today of Driver Shaft Length on the PGA Tour is 44 and a Half inches = If the best players in the World could accurately use a 45 and 3 quarter inch Shaft they would, but they can't so they don't. Jack Nicklaus used a 42 and 3 quarter inch Driver throughout is entire career and he didn't do too bad, did he = 1992 PGA Long Distance Competition - His Persimmon Wood Head 11 degrees Loft Driver, 130 ounce Stiff Steel shaft 42 and 3 quarter inches long and a Balata wound ball = his winning distance? 341 Yards With todays equipment in his prime he'd be chipping back to all the Par 4's
Alex, I’ve been using a three wood shaft with my G400 driver for three years. Tighter dispersion and getting at least as much length as with the driver shaft. Much easier for me to hit sweet spot. I’ll never go back to regular length driver shaft.
Der Test überrascht mich sehr. So wenig Distanzverlust mit deutlich mehr Kontrolle, Klasse Test. Abo + Like.
I did something similar. Also I've watched a bunch of videos on this topic, but no one addressed rebalancing the club... (swingweight, shaft weight, head weight, shaft stiffness)
I had a spare stiff shaft (i use Reg), so I got it cut 1.5" at the tip as well as at the butt. In theory Driver went from.a D4 SW to B4. Not sure where i want to be so I'm starting at a SW of D0, which means 32 grams of the shaft head. With that much weight the shaft is more like and extra soft senior, hence why I also cut off the tip of the shaft. Now I should have a 42" driver, with a D0 SW and a Reg shaft. In theory lol... Can't wait to try it out.
Also did something similar to my 5 Wood :)
I have matching Cobra driver 3 & 5 woods, so could try this. Questions: The fairway woods have different degrees marked on the adaptor. Do I just set at standard on each one? Why not just grip down a couple of inches on the driver shaft? Wouldn't this produce the same result?
you could do yes!
I would like to know what to set the 3w or 5w at also when changing into the driver, do you just set it to standard?
Can you test distance and dispersal with shaft changed to 5W length vs full length Driver shaft gripped down/ choked down to 5W length. Will it give comparable distance and dispersal pattern?
Adding weight to top of shaft. Adds more control for handsy players. 3 pieces of lead tape in mine
I have a 5wood shaft in my 3wood- not a drastic difference but the consistency in strike with that club is off the charts.
Great video Alex I could never hit 3 wood from fairway just messing about a range one day I tried my 7 wood shaft in and was shocked straight as a die great flight played on local coarse amazed always found I couldn’t get the 3 wood shaft passed my body seemed to leave the club behind me with shorter shaft I am able to release the club I showed a mate who plays old callawaye warbirds we put clubs side by side they are same length so going to try my 3 wood shaft in my driver hopefully same results.Ian
Makes so much sense. I get much better results from my hybrid in terms of dispersion, and when its going well, the yardage isn't too far behind driver. May have to go to the golf shop to test a few shafts as i cant change out from hybrid shaft.
you can, it's just not as easy as with an adjustable ferrule.
The next test for using shorter shaft try increasing the loft on the shorter shaft. I think you would be surprised how much closer the distance would be . Especially when you used the 7 iron shaft/ Try it!!
3 or 5 shaft is way forward will do this when I next get a new driver. Or get a 5 wood shaft to fit current driver ping 400 which is different model to the 5/7 I have ping 425. Hit 3 wood nearly as far as driver so guessing it would work for me
At what point would choking down on regular D shaft be the same as the 5 W shaft? Depends on the weight balance & feel.
Tiger used to use 43 inch driver for better control and better speed
Hi Alex, I use a mini driver (currently the TaylorMade Original One) for the reasons you discussed - decreased dispersion with little distance loss. I will probably get fitted for a driver this winter and will experiment with a shorter shaft. If I don't like the dispersion of the driver I'll probably get TaylorMade's 300 mini driver.
certainly going to give this serious thought. Great tip
I think it is something too
Did you adjust the club head (lie or swing sweight) for the shorter shaft'--if not, the lie would have affected ball direction adversely, right ?
Epic 5-wood shaft into my Epic driver. Tomorrow we give it a try! Film at eleven!
I was thinking of this as I love my 5 wood and the rdx smoke 6.5 black in 80grams....I like 60 grams in driver....I found a shaft online in 60 grams, 6.5 (x-stiff)...should I add loft and weight to driver head? I have the rogue td ls...and have heavier weights for front.thnx
I have been goofing around with this for years. Most recent was an ebay "experiment" called the Driveway (other companies called the set-up a Thriver years ago): Higher loft, shorter shaft, probably more flexible shaft. Maybe 5yards shorter (never did a launch monitor, but I would be willing to bet more carry, less roll), but far, far more consistently straight.
Great idea something I may play with. A video on big fat jumbomax grip. I switched and won't go back to skinny grips. Gained yardage too.
At my slower swing speed (around 90 mph) I give up 10 m distance with a 44.5 shaft compared to a 45.5 shaft. I went the opposite direction with my 5 wood and fitted a 44 inch shaft. My carry with the 7 ( 21)and 5 (17)were too close. It worked.
You should make sure both lengths, 5 wood and driver are exactly same Swing weight. Probably have to add a lot of lead tape evenly on bottom of driver with 5 wood shaft. Neal
Or 3W head on a Driver shaft????
I was thinking the same thing. I'm more consistent with 3 wood off tee, swing much more in control. Going to try both ideas out on the range next week.
Hey Alex, great video. I'd like to see how much difference lie angle makes on wedges. Try 3 flat vs 3 upright or something similar.
I’d be interested to know when changing to a 5 wood shaft does it changes the loft of your driver. If so, how much?
Great video, would I need to change the settings on my 10.5 deg driver head if I put a 5 or 3 wood shaft in it to allow for the lie angle. Thanks
Yeah i think it would help !
I have a Cobra F9 9 degree set at -1.5 degree and I changed out the weights in it. It had a 2g in the back and a 14g in the front. I had an issues of getting the ball too high in the air. So I got a 16g and replaced the 14g for the front and took the 2g completely out. I have gained about 15-20 yards. Spin is a lot lower. The weird thing is I have better control of Driver now.
I had a Fujikura shaft in my callaway big bertha driver cut from 45+ inches to 43 3/4. The senior flex was thus stiffened a bit which is what I wanted. My accuracy and distance went up since I was hitting the sweet spot more often. Still getting use to it although I'll probably not go back to using regular length shafts. I use 42 inch shafts in my 5 and 7 woods, but standard length in my irons and wedges. Seems to complement my game at a 17.1 handicap.
Hey Alex! I just saw ur other video driver to 7iron. This is awesome too..I attached my ping 3w fairway to my 5 wood and I got awesome results. Keep up the great videos
Love that! So happy to hear you like the video
2.75” is pretty significant. Honestly it’s more than enough, especially with speed and consistency! Combine that with a good up and down game?! Straight baller
I didnt hear if it was mentioned, but was this a tip trimmed 5wd shaft or butt trimmed shaft to 5wd length?
did this last week, definitely works
Lighter clubhead and shaft if you haven't already done it. For fun one day, I borrowed a friends wife's club, a Calloway Solaire driver with a 13.5 degree loft on a hole which usually plays as a dogleg because of some very tall trees close in to the tee. Proceeded to drive it over those trees and to a distance that equalled anything I have done with a 9 degree loft and longer shaft. Admitted my driver (an Adams) is 15 years old with a medium flex shaft. It has become a tradition when we play that I use her driver on that one hole. The clubhead speed feels faster, we have no way to measure. Seriously thinking about a lighter club.
I got fitted last year for a driver and got a shaft 1 inch shorter than standard. Felt more comfortable, consistent and longer than standard length. Also I never would hit 3 wood off the deck so bag now is driver (inch shorter) then 5 wood and 5 hybrid. Works with the gapping
Hi Alex, excellent video. This has been common knowledge amongst club fitters. Im interested in the shaft specs, brand, model, stiffness, weight etc. used for this video. Keep the videos coming 🍻
Good experiment Alex, I'm going to try my 3 wood shaft in my driver this week at the range (don't own a 5 wood). I agree with you tighter dispersion trumps a little more distance for us amateur golfers, also I have a tendency to strike all over the driver club face so will see if this change improves strike location consistency which we all know is key.
Great stuff. I would like to see what putting a softer flex would do. Would the softer shaft provide more kick at impact because of the added flexing on the downswing increasing cluhead speed and would the dispersion pattern be higher because of the added flexing meaning less accuracy. Thanks.
Something to consider for sure except I don't have a 5w. For me accuracy is king. I'm hitting driver pretty much same length. So tighten my dispersion really is attractive
What about your swingweight? Did you add any weight to make swingweights similiar?
I put a 4 hybrid head on a driver shaft and was amazed at the accuracy. High ball flight but dropped straight down
Hi Alex, great video. Sorry I'm late in commenting but just a quick question. When shortening shafts, club fitters talk about adding head weight to compensate for various things but I guess you didn't do this. I'm keen to shorten my 45.75" Wilson FG Tour F5 by 1-2" but am worried about the head weight issue.
Hi Alex I think changing swing weight with your 5 wood length Driver ( now a lighter swing weight) should be next in your comparison tests.
Keep the good work up. Cheers.
I play a Sim II Max 9 degree standard with a mini driver 300 shaft and Jumbo Max XS grip…My numbers are very similar to yours
what were the weight and flex of the two shafts??
Is there a Steel shafted driver shaft compatible with modern heads?
I assume you will narrow the dispersion and quite possibly lose 15 yards in carry. But I think head speed will stay relatively the same and you'll get the same overall distance more consistently.
I've always wanted to do this. I hit my 5 wood very well. Always thought that possibly shortening the shaft of the 3 wood and driver a touch may help
After watching this I think I am going to try it. I have previously experimented with reducing the driver shaft from 45.5 ins to 4.5 ins and found greater consistency and perhaps better contact. Will be interesting to see what happens with a still shorter shaft.
How’d it go?
@@BigDawgCAM Putting an old 3 wood shaft into the driver was a disaster for me. However, that may have been due to there being too much of a change in the swing weight. In theory it may be easier to find the centre of the face with a shorter shaft but it could completely change the feel of the club for the worse. I would suggest getting a pro to give you some advice if you want to try it.
@@johncreet1254 Thanks. I'm actually cutting down my driver from 46" to 44" this week, but I'm having to add back in a whopping 24-28g to the head to maintain swingweight lol. Wish me luck!
If it doesn't work out, I'm considering buying a new driver next year anyway, so it'll be good to know
Hi Alex, very interesting results. I personally think a lot of it comes down to the player’s height differences. If you are below average in height it might be more favourable. Other way around if you are above average as your total ark will be significantly more. I think the shorter length will possibly still provide slightly more consistent shots (regardless of height), however, if you’re above 6’2”, the distance variation will be greater. 🤔
good to hear your thoughts on this !!
Isn't this what club fittings are for?
I've been doing this for years with my Nike covert drivers and fairway woods. It was the only Ferrell that allowed you to make the clubhead change.
The results were lower trajectory, less of a miss on bad hits.
I call it my happy 235yard club.
Haven't tried subbing a 5 wood (Cobra Radspeed) shaft in my driver (Cobra F9) but I have tried gripping down a bit for 1/ accuracy in finding the sweet spot (huge difference in my driver at least) plus 2/ it makes the club sit flatter i.e. less toe up which I believe helps with quality of contact.
5w shaft on a 10.5 head any good? Or its best to adjust it at 9 or below? Thanka Alex
Looking at your shot tracers for the driver the result was totally as expected. You hit your driver very straight, 13 yard spread at 220+ yards distance is no issue at all. That’s almost the accuracy for many with a mid iron into greens. To get the grouping even tighter with almost nil loss of distance is a no brainier. Take it that’s in your bag now?
We get told / sold that custom fitting is so good and makes a difference would like to see you be fitted for a driver and work through shafts for stiffness, kick points, swing weight length etc to see how it impacts your current almost arrow straight hitting
I did exactly this. I’m 6ft and chopped my driver down to 43.5” and I find the centre so much more then before.
Love that Adam!! It makes you think why they keep getting longer for the average golfers
Great segment !! But how many coats or shirts were you wearing?
not enough 😇
do a good driving iron vs short driver or 3 wood.
I hit a 3 iron or 3 hybrid almost as far as my old driver. If I put a good driver head on the same length club it would have to go farther, but also be easier and more consistent to hit than a long club is. Makes sense to me.
Would there be any difference if you just shortened your driver shaft by the same amount?
thats a good point
I started gripping down on my driver a couple of weeks ago, after clearing out my garage, i found buried my old Ping Eye wooden driver, i used to hit that really well, noticed how much shorter it was so started right down with my little finger of right hand at the bottom of the grip, much to my surprise i was as long, but most importantly and I've only missed 3 fairways in 4 rounds since changing, was seriously thinking about cutting 3 inches of the shaft this morning as mine is a non ajustable Driver.
I do use a 4wood shaft in my 3 wood and it definitely gives more fairway hits . But I’m curious why your club head speed does not match up to your carry distance.
Have you poured sand in the shaft to see what happens.plug the grip end with a tee.then try half a shaft full allowing the sand to move when you swing.You will be amazed with results.
I have a shortened 3 wood shaft in my driver and a shortened 5 wood shaft in my 3 wood. I hit it in the fairway so much that my golf buddies are moaning it isn't fair. 240 carry...driver straight all day. Now...when I get my new irons next year, my evil plan will be complete:)
Just wondering, did you change the shaft in any way, ie went to regular in the driver shaft as apposed to stiff in the 5 wood shaft? Great video, but how about 3 wood shaft? I'm always wondering about a 3 wood shaft as normally there isn't a huge amount of distance difference between my std drive to my std 3 wood, and the 3 wood has a smaller head.
I'd be interested to see a super low spin driver (sldr type) with high loft (16/17 degree sort of thing). Do you get high launch and low spin, and do you get the forgiveness of a higher loft, or the lack or forgiveness of the low spin. Then do the opposite, super forgiving driver with big weight at the back plus really low loft. What works better.
You could then mix this up with shadt length as well.
Very interesting Alex I am going to try this and will report back to you
I recently had a radspeed Which I cut down to 3 wood length, hit it much better that way, but it was too low spinning. I've now got a sim 2 max with a more suitable shaft/followed by a lesson. I hit it way better, even with a shaft that Is nearly 46 inches long.
I recall Peter finch doing similar a few years back , interesting concept 👍 think your channels really promising
thank you!
Makes sense. So, is it better to install a shorter shaft onto your driver head, or just grip down on the current driver shaft? I do see some of the LPGA pros gripping way down on their drivers and fairway woods.
This is exactly what I’m going to do. I can smoke a 5 wood but driver not so much. Hoping this helps.
A test i would like to see compares a high moi weight back driver with 9 degree loft vs a more weight forward driver that has a penetrating flight at 10.5 degrees...
ie epic max 9 vs epic speed 10.5 ...with the max ( high launch head ) at 9 degrees, does it knock off enough spin to out distance the more penetrating flight of the speed 10.5?
This is a great idea 💡 thank you Richard
Compare a stiff flex with a senior flex same standard length.
OK, similar comments to the 7 Iron comparo. Backspin rates still seem high even though you are hitting draws, smash factor nearly identical, can't see heights. Also, I tend to choke up on my driver more than I do for FW's. Oh, and you aren't compensating for the lighter club head weight which is going to affect swing rate (5W shaft is matched for heavier 5W clubhead weight).
will you actually game the shaft in that manner? any thoughts as to chopping the irons shaft down? 1/2"...1"...
hmmm i’m not sure! thanks for tuning in though